Galangal

Garlic (E), Lashun (H)
The delicious bulbs of this annual are a veritable herbal panacea. Ayurveda focuses on its positive digestive effect when there is cold and sluggishness, but warns of its inappropriate use in times of emotional stress and environmental heat. Rasona means ‘lacking a taste’, derived from rasa meaning ‘taste’ and una meaning ‘lacking’, as it lacks the sour taste.

Ginger (E), Adrakh (H), Sont (H)
Adraka means ‘moist’ and Shunthi means’ dry’. It is also known as vishwabhesaja, the universal medicine benefiting everybody and all diseases (if you can say all in Ayurveda!), especially vata disorders. This is the herbalist’s best friend. When using Ginger think ‘digestion, lungs and circulation’.

Puncture vine fruit (E), Caltrops (H), Gokhru (H)
This spikey fruit looks like the cloven hoof of a cow and hence the name Go-kshura (cow-hoof). ‘Kshura’ also means ‘scratcher’ and as this thorny shrub is found growing in sandy wasteland all over the sub-continent it is responsible for scarring the hide of many a sacred cow . It is a superb diuretic that clears excess fluids from the system. Its hormonal prescursor compounds actively nourish the reproductive system It is also very useful for itchy skin, especially on the hands and feet.

Gokshura & Shatavari Formula
Clears water stagnation and urinary infections

Gotu kola (S), Indian pennywort (E), Kula kudi (H)
Hydrocotyle asiatica. Mandukaparni refers to its leaf-shape resembling the webbed feet of a frog. The leaf also looks like the cerebellum and is one of the finest examples of the ‘doctrine of signatures’ as Gotu kola is traditionally renowned for its intellect promoting, nervous system soothing and general mind enhancing properties.

Gotu Kola & Turmeric Formula
Strengthens venous return and clears stagnation in the veins

Green tea

Green tea Oothu

Green tea Sencha

Green tea suoi gang

Guduchi, Giloy (H)
Guduchi is described as ‘the one who protects the body’. ‘Amrita’ means ‘divine nectar’ referring to the life restoring drops that Lord Indra sprinkled from heaven to bring life back to the devotees of Lord Rama after they were slain in battle. This is a virile creeper that grows throughout the forests of India. Those growing up Neem trees are said to be the best as the synergy between these two bitter plants enhances Guduchi’s efficacy. Its therapeutic strength lies in its rejuvenating and strengthening properties while also detoxifying and cleansing the whole system, specifically via the liver.

Guduchi & Neem Formula
Regulates the liver, clears heat and releases bile

Guduchi & Neem Formula
Regulates the liver, clears heat and releases bile

Myrrh (E), Bdellium gum (E), Bol (H)
Myrrh is extracted as a resin from the trunk of this thorny desert shrub. Its main feature is an affinity for the blood, heart and female reproductive systems but it is also a great anti-bacterial.

Guggul Plus Formula
Reduces cholesterol and excess weight

Gurmar (H), Periploca of the wood (E)
Eating the fresh leaves numbs the taste buds to the sense of sweet or bitter; hence the name means ‘sweet destroyer’ (madhu-vinashi, gur-mar). A fantastic herb for balancing blood sugar levels.

Gymnema Plus Formula
For balancing blood sugar levels and reducing sugar cravings